Container and corresponding method

ABSTRACT

A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured to act as a stand on which the base is supported. The lid may comprise a supporting portion which is configured, when supported on a horizontal surface when the lid is in the second position, to orientate the container such that the recess is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2020/051437, filed Jun. 15, 2020, which claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1908931.7, filed Jun. 21, 2019, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a container and corresponding method, which may be used in the context of storing at least one object, such as a main body and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system.

BACKGROUND

In the context of transporting objects, such as an aerosol provision system (electronic cigarette) and its components, there exists the potential for such objects to be damaged during transit unless they are suitably held in a container.

Existing containers for transporting such objects can be awkward to open, and the objects can be difficult to access when the container is in an open position.

Accordingly, various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of these issues.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured to act as a stand on which the base is supported.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the container comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the first position, wherein the securing means is an elasticated material, secured to the container, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated material and the base when the lid is in the first position.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a kit of parts comprising a container according to the first or second aspects of the invention, and a main body from an aerosol provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body, wherein the at least one object comprises the main body and the cartridge.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of storing at least one object in a container according to any of the first or second aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents in perspective view a container comprising a base and a lid, when the lid is in an open supporting position.

FIG. 2A represents in plan view a portion of the container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in an open unsupporting position.

FIG. 2B represents in plan view a portion of the container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in a closed position.

FIG. 3A represents in perspective view a portion of the container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the closed position.

FIG. 3B represents in perspective view a portion of the container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the open supporting position.

FIG. 3C represents in perspective view a portion of the container from FIG. 1, when the lid is in the open unsupporting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

With reference to the Figures, there is shown a container 10 comprising a base 12 defining a recess 14 for storing at least one object 100. The container further comprises a lid 16 moveable between a first, closed, position (as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A) in which the recess 14 is covered by the lid 16 and a second, open supporting, position (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B) in which the recess 14 is exposed for allowing the object 100 to be removed from the recess 14, wherein the second position the lid 16 is configured to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported.

In accordance with some embodiments, such as the container shown in the Figures, the base 12 comprises a front surface 18 which is covered by the lid 16 in the first position of the lid 16, and a rear surface 20 opposite the front surface 18, wherein the lid is configured to rest against the rear surface 20 when the lid is in the second position.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 16 may comprise a supporting portion 22 which is configured, when supported on a horizontal surface 200 when the lid 16 is in the second position, to orientate the container such that the recess 14 and/or the front surface 18 is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

In accordance with some embodiments, the lid 16 may comprise at least one fold line 28 for folding the lid 16 into a plurality of smaller portions. In some particular embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, the at least one fold line 28 is shown as comprising a plurality of fold lines. In such embodiments, the plurality of fold lines may be parallel to each other, as shown for instance in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3C.

In some embodiments, the lid 16 may be resiliently deformable between the first position and the second position.

The container in some instances may comprise a securing means 30 for securing the lid 16 in the first position. In some embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, the securing means may comprise an elasticated material 30, secured to the container 10, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid 16 between the elasticated material 30 and the base 12 when the lid 16 is in the first position.

The shape and content of the recess may be configured depending on the intended use of the container. In some embodiments, the recess 14 may comprises at least one primary holder 32 for releasably securing, in the recess 14, a main body 100A useable in an aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the recess may comprise at least one secondary holder 34 for releasably securing, in the recess 14, a cartridge 100B from an aerosol provision system. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the recess 14 comprises one primary holder 32 and two secondary holders 34, such that the container 10 can accommodate a complete aerosol provision system, along with a spare/replacement cartridge 100B for use in the aerosol provision system when an initial cartridge 100B stored in the container runs out or is depleted.

In relation to the size and dimensions of the container, this will also depend on the intended use of the container. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum width W of less than 100 mm when the lid is in the first position. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum length L of less than 160 mm when the lid is in the first position. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a maximum depth D of less than 70 mm when the lid is in the first position.

In some embodiments, the lid 16 may comprise a first end 16A that is attached to the base 12, and a second free end 16B opposite the first end 16A. In such embodiments, the lid may also comprise an end portion 16C comprising a width that decreases in the direction from the first end 16A to the second free end 16B.

To help allow the user to better grip the container during use, in some embodiments the container may comprises at least one contoured surface 38 about which the user can grip the container. In some embodiments, the contoured surface may comprises a plurality of grooves 40. The position of the at least one contoured surface may be appropriately located on the container, depending on its intended use, however in some embodiments the lid may comprise the at least one contoured surface, as shown in the embodiments of container from FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A.

In terms of the operation of the containers described herein, an example operation is described with reference to the embodiment of containers shown in FIGS. 1-3C. In that particular embodiment, the container 10 is provided with the lid 16 in its first position where it covers the front surface 18 of the base 12 such to cover the recess 14. To better secure the lid 16 in its first position, the securing means 30 in the form of the elasticated material 30 grips the portion of the lid 16 between the elasticated material 30 and the base 12. The use of such a securing means 30 which grips the portion of the lid 16 between the securing means 30 and the base 12 provides a secure, yet easy to use, mechanism for keeping the lid in the closed position.

From this first position, the lid 16 is then removed from between the elasticated material 30 and the base 12, and the lid 16 then moved into the open unsupporting position as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3C. In this open position, any object 100 from the recess 14 can then be removed for use as required by the user.

From the open unsupporting position, the lid may then be moved to the second, open supported, position shown in FIG. 1, by moving the lid 14 and folding it about the fold lines 28 such that the lid 14 rests against the rear surface 20 of the container 10. In this second position, the supporting portion 22 from the lid 16, when supported on a horizontal surface 200, orientates the container 10 such that the recess 14 and/or the front surface 18 is exposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal, for instance between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Accordingly, in this position the lid 16 effectively acts as a stand on which the base 12 and any object 100 located in the recess 14 is supported, and thus provides the user with convenient access to the recess 14 and any object 100 located therein.

In moving the lid between the closed and open positions, the presence of the contoured surface 38 and grooves 40 from the lid 14 allows the user to better grip the lid as it is moved, particularly in wet conditions.

It will be appreciated that while the above description has focused on some specific container configurations comprising a number of different features, containers in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosure may not include all these features. For example, in some implementations the lid 16 may not be configured to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported when the lid 16 is in its second position.

In some embodiments, the lid 16 may not comprise at least one fold line 28 for folding the lid 16 into a plurality of smaller portions. In such embodiments, the lid 16 may instead be resiliently deformable between the first position and the second position to allow for its movement therebetween.

In addition, whilst the container configurations herein disclosed have been principally disclosed as being used to support components from a vapour provision system, it will be appreciate that the containers described herein may be used for storing any required object, depending on the application of the container. For example, in some embodiments, the container 10 may be used to support jewellery, such as a watch or necklace; or in another embodiment a set of spectacles. In these embodiments, the recess may comprise at least one holder for releasably securing, in the recess, the object to be held therein.

In some embodiments, the container may be provided on its own. In some embodiments however, the container 10 may be provided as a part of a kit, in which the container 10 is provided along with at least one object 100 which the container 10 is configured to store in its recess 14.

Thus, there has been described a container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured to act as a stand on which the base is supported.

There has also been described a container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the container comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the first position, wherein the securing means is an elasticated material, secured to the container, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated material and the base when the lid is in the first position.

There has also been described a kit of parts comprising a container as set out above, and a main body from an aerosol provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body, wherein the at least one object comprises the main body and the cartridge.

There has also been described a method of storing at least one object in a container as set out above.

There has also been described a container 10 comprising a base 12 defining a recess 14 for storing at least one object 100, and a lid 16 moveable between a first position in which the recess 14 is covered by the lid 16 and a second position in which the recess 14 is exposed for allowing the object 100 to be removed from the recess 14, wherein the second position the lid 16 is configured to act as a stand on which the base 12 is supported. The lid 16 may comprise a supporting portion 22 which is configured, when supported on a horizontal surface 200 when the lid 16 is in the second position, to orientate the container 10 such that the recess 14 is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Purely for the avoidance of any doubt, the phrase aerosol provision system as used herein is intended to mean systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) which generally contain an aerosol precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Such aerosol provision systems and electronic cigarettes typically comprise two main functional parts, namely the main body part—see the main body 100A shown in FIG. 1, and the replaceable cartridge part—see the cartridge 100B also shown in FIG. 1. Typically the cartridge 100B will comprise the consumable aerosol precursor material and the heating element (atomiser), while the main body 100A will comprise longer-life items, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features. An example vapour provision system, such as that shown in the Figures, is the Vype ePen 3. 

1. A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the second position the lid is configured to act as a stand on which the base is supported.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a front surface which is covered by the lid in the first position of the lid, and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the lid is configured to rest against the rear surface when the lid is in the second position.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a supporting portion which is configured, when supported on a horizontal surface when the lid is in the second position, to orientate the container such that the recess is exposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least one fold line for folding the lid into a plurality of smaller portions.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the at least one fold line comprises a plurality of fold lines.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fold lines are parallel to each other.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is resiliently deformable between the first position and the second position.
 8. The container according to any of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the first position.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the securing means is an elasticated material, secured to the container, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated material and the base when the lid is in the first position.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises at least one primary holder for releasably securing, in the recess, a main body from an aerosol provision system, wherein the at least one object comprises the main body.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises at least one secondary holder for releasably securing, in the recess, a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the at least one object comprises the cartridge.
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first end that is attached to the base, and a second free end opposite the first end.
 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises an end portion comprising a width that decreases in the direction from the first end to the second free end.
 14. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a maximum width of less than 100 mm when the lid is in the first position.
 15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a maximum length of less than 160 mm when the lid is in the first position.
 16. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a maximum depth of less than 70 mm when the lid is in the first position.
 17. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one contoured surface for allowing a user to better grip the container via the countered surface.
 18. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least one contoured surface for allowing a user to better grip the lid via the countered surface.
 19. The container of claim 17, wherein each contoured surface comprises a plurality of grooves.
 20. A container comprising a base defining a recess for storing at least one object, and a lid moveable between a first position in which the recess is covered by the lid and a second position in which the recess is exposed for allowing the object to be removed from the recess, wherein the container comprises a securing means for securing the lid in the first position, wherein the securing means is an elasticated material, secured to the container, which is configured to grip a portion of the lid between the elasticated material and the base when the lid is in the first position.
 21. A kit of parts comprising the container of claim 1, further comprising a main body from an aerosol provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body, wherein the at least one object comprises the main body and the cartridge.
 22. A method of storing at least one object in the container of claim
 1. 23. The method according to of claim 22, wherein the at least one object comprises a main body from an aerosol provision system, and a cartridge from an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge is attachable to the main body. 